Physical Therapies For Musculoskeletal Health
Physical therapy is a type of approach used to improve musculoskeletal body movement and function through acupuncture, chiropractic, soft tissue massage, aquatic therapy, and other modalities.
Physical therapists work with patients who have injuries or have chronic pain in order to help them regain functionality in their bodies. Physical therapists use a variety of tools, techniques, and exercises to help patients recover from injuries or manage their chronic pain.
Read on to find out more about the different kinds of physical therapies.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese medical approach that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This is done to improve the flow of energy, or qi (pronounced “chee,”) in the body.
According to the Acupuncture Health page on the Johns Hopkins Medicine website: “Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.”
The idea behind acupuncture is that when qi becomes blocked, it can cause health concerns. By inserting needles into certain areas of the body, acupuncture practitioners are able to restore balance and harmony between qi and other aspects of health.
Today, acupuncture is used to address a wide range of conditions including pain management, headaches, and chronic pain.
2. Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.
It is based on the concept that manual manipulation of the spine can address misalignments and improve musculoskeletal health. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust joints, including hand manipulation and mobilisation techniques, among other holistic methods. The aim of chiropractic care is to improve function in the musculoskeletal system and help patients return to an active lifestyle.
Chiropractic for adults
Chiropractic care may address health concerns of adults with a variety of issues, including:
- chronic pain
- headaches
- sports injuries
- muscle pain
- nerve pain
- sciatica and more.
With regular chiropractic visits, adults may experience improved flexibility, better range of motion, and reduced pain.
Chiropractic for kids
Chiropractic care is not just for adults, it can also be beneficial for kids. A chiropractor for kids may help children with a variety of physical health issues, such as headaches and scoliosis. Regular chiropractic may improve a child’s musculoskeletal health, as well as their physical performance in sports or daily activities such as house chores.
By receiving chiropractic adjustments from an experienced paediatric chiropractor, kids may benefit from improved spinal alignment which may lead to better posture and improved balance.
3. Soft tissue massage
Soft tissue massage is a form of therapy that involves the manipulation of soft tissue structures in the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is a therapeutic application of pressure to these structures to reduce tension and improve function. Soft tissue massage is often used to help relieve pain from muscle spasms or other conditions such as sciatica.
Additionally, it may be used to help improve posture. Soft tissue massage can be done manually with hands or through the use of therapeutic tools such as foam rollers or massage balls.
4. Aquatic therapy
According to Versus Arthritis: “Aquatic therapy, or hydrotherapy as it’s also known, involves special exercises that you do in a warm-water pool. The water temperature is usually 33–36ºC, which is warmer than a typical swimming pool.”
Aquatic therapy is a form of rehabilitation that uses the properties of water to support the physical body. It helps improve mobility, reduce pain caused by inflammation, and restore strength and range of motion.
Aquatic therapy is beneficial for many conditions including back pain, spinal cord injuries, and sports injuries. The main focus of aquatic therapy is on improving the function and health of those with physical health issues while still being enjoyable.
To end…
Through a combination of exercises, manual techniques, and other modalities such as acupuncture and chiropractic, physical therapists work with patients to achieve their goals.
By working closely with their patients on their journey to recovery, physical therapists may be able to create meaningful progress in addressing musculoskeletal issues. By reducing pain and helping restore spinal movement, patients may be able to function well and enjoy physical activities better.
